"This year, there will be two chariots. The processions of both the Silver Chariot and the Golden Chariot will take place on Feb 8. The procession of the Silver Chariot will begin at the temple in Lebuh Penang at 7am, while the procession of the Golden Chariot will begin at the temple in Lebuh Queen at 5am.

"The whole process will take quite some time even though the distance for the first procession is only 6.5km, while the distance for the return procession is 7.6km. We will give full cooperation to ensure safety and smooth running of the event," he told a press conference in George Town today.

As such, Mior Faridalathrash advised motorists wishing to use the roads on the said date to adhere to the instructions of traffic policemen on duty.

He said the police would also increase the number of personnel on duty to maintain public order during the processions of the two chariots, which were expected to attract approximately 1.5 million spectators.

"I would also like to give a stern warning to any groups trying to create chaos during Thaipusam. Don't you dare!

"We will sternly act against those who did. We want to ensure that the celebration will run smoothly and peacefully, especially during the processions of the chariots," he added.- Bernama